Liana entered the grand hall, her golden hair gleaming and her gown flowing elegantly behind her. She carried herself with poise, her heart racing with anticipation. This was the moment she had dreamed of—the culmination of her efforts.
Alpha Veyron stood at the head of the room, his piercing gaze softening slightly as he acknowledged her. The council members flanked him, their expressions unreadable as they observed her approach.
“Liana,” Veyron said, his tone formal but not unkind. “You’ve requested this meeting, and I’ve granted it. Speak your mind.”
Liana curtsied gracefully, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “Alpha, I wanted to express my gratitude for everything this pack has done for me. And I wanted to reaffirm my devotion to its future.” She hesitated, letting her words sink in before continuing. “I’ve prepared my whole life for this role. I’ve studied, trained, and sacrificed, all to stand by Kaelan’s side as his Luna.”
Veyron studied her carefully, his silence heavy with consideration. “You believe you are ready to take on the responsibilities of Luna?”
“Yes, Alpha,” Liana replied, her voice unwavering. “I love Kaelan, and I love this pack. I would give everything I have to ensure its prosperity and safety.”
Veyron nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. “Very well.” He turned to the guards at the edge of the room. “Bring Kaelan.”
Moments later, Kaelan entered the hall, his presence commanding as always. His gaze flicked between his father and Liana, a faint furrow in his brow.
“You called for me, Father?” Kaelan asked.
Veyron gestured toward Liana. “We were discussing the future of this pack. Specifically, your future as Alpha.”
Kaelan’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing, waiting for his father to continue.
“I have spoken with the council,” Veyron said, his tone deliberate. “They agree that it is time for you to take a Luna and secure your leadership. Liana has proven herself capable and devoted. I ask you now, Kaelan: Do you still seek a mate?”
The room fell silent, all eyes on Kaelan as the weight of the question settled over him. Liana held her breath, her heart pounding with anticipation. This was her moment.
But Kaelan’s answer wasn’t what she expected.
“No,” he said firmly, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
Veyron’s brow furrowed. “No? Kaelan, this is—”
“I haven’t seen a sign yet from the Moon Goddess,” Kaelan interrupted, his gaze steady and unyielding. “I won’t take a Luna until I know it’s the will of the Moon Goddess.”
Liana’s face fell, her carefully crafted composure faltering for a brief moment. She quickly recovered, forcing a smile, but the sting of rejection was sharp.
Veyron sighed heavily. “Very well. But Kaelan, you cannot delay this decision forever.”
Kaelan nodded but said nothing more. As he left the hall, Liana watched him go, her mind racing with thoughts of what had gone wrong—and what she needed to do next.